Danny Amendola, Steve Johnson, Hakeem Nicks Updates

Regardless of whether you have already started your fantasy league playoffs or not, no one needs to be told how important it is to put your best starting lineup out there at this point in the season. Week 14 of the NFL season is upon us and here are some key wide receiver injuries to keep an eye on as you get ready for today’s action.

Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams at Buffalo Bills
Amendola hurt his foot three weeks ago against the Jets, but it didn’t prevent him from playing the following week. However, he caught just one pass against the Cardinals as his foot was clearly bothering him and he ended up missing last week’s game versus the 49ers. He is officially listed as Questionable for today’s game in Buffalo and is probably a game-time decision. He did practice in a limited fashion this week, but he is an awfully risky play all things considered, especially since it’s a 1 p.m. ET kickoff. To me, it’s too much risk and not enough reward to take a chance with him.

Steve Johnson, WR, Buffalo Bills vs. St. Louis Rams
Johnson wasn’t able to finish last week’s game against Jacksonville after straining his hamstring and he is listed as Questionable for the game against St. Louis. He didn’t practice on Wednesday, but was able to return on a limited basis both Thursday and Friday. Despite the Questionable tag, he is expected to play, but don’t expect him to be at 100 percent. That coupled with the Rams’ pass defense, which is ranked 11th, makes him a risky play, but you should probably still go ahead and start him unless you have better or more appealing options.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints
Just when you thought Nicks was over the hump regarding injuries comes word that the soreness in his left knee flared up, again. The good news is that Nicks was able to practice some on Friday and the word from Giants camp is that he should be able to go today against the Saints. Nicks being a game-time call is nothing new this season, and the later kickoff time helps in terms of holding off on making a decision, provided you have a backup plan ready to go. That said, it’s obvious the knee has been an issue for Nicks all season long and has affected his production. If you have stuck with him to this point then you should be all too familiar with the risk, as well as the potential payoff, that comes with having Nicks on your roster.

Other notable wide receiver injury updates:

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys – Green did not practice on Friday due to illness. He is listed as Probable so there’s no reason to not expect him to be out there and for you to not start one of fantasy’s top wide receivers.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings – Harvin was placed on injured reserve earlier this week because of a severe ankle injury he sustained in Week 9. He tore ligaments in the ankle, and while he most likely won’t need surgery, he won’t play again this season. The only Vikings’ pass-catcher worth owning at this point is tight end Kyle Rudolph, who has put together three productive games in a row.

Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay vs. Detroit Lions – Nelson will miss tonight’s game against Detroit with a hamstring injury. While Randall Cobb remains the Packers wide receiver to own, don’t forget about Greg Jennings, who is back from a groin injury, and James Jones, who is second in the league in touchdown catches with nine. There’s also tight end Jermichael Finley, who has been more productive in recent weeks.

Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals – Rice took a big hit on the game-winning touchdown in Chicago last week, but was back at practice on Wednesday. He was a practice participant throughout the week and is listed as Probable for the game against the Cardinals. He’s been at his best lately, five touchdowns over his last five games, but he’s also had no more than six receptions and 99 yards receiving in any game, so consider yourself warned.

Andre Roberts, WR, Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks – Roberts is Questionable with an ankle injury. He didn’t get any practice in until Friday and was limited even then. He may be a game-time decision, but given Arizona’s persistent quarterback issues this season, there is little reason to start any Cardinals wide receiver, and that includes Larry Fitzgerald.

Cecil Shorts, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets – Shorts has been one of fantasy’s breakout players this season, but he won’t be adding to his numbers on Sunday. He has already been declared Out against the Jets after suffering a concussion late in the fourth quarter last week in Buffalo. Shorts passed a concussion test earlier this week, but wasn’t able to practice at all as he was still experiencing symptoms. Rookie Justin Blackmon figures to get more looks in Shorts’ absence, but that doesn’t make him a must-start option either. Blackmon had just one catch for nine yards against the Bills last week and the Jets rank among the stingiest when it comes to fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. This is probably not the best week to rely on any Jaguar offensive player.

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